New Addition To Bournemouth Air Festival

Bournemouth Air Festival organisers have unveiled a brand new addition to this year's flying display line-up.

Making its first appearance at the event, the Tornado GR4 Role Demo will be displaying on Saturday 20th August.

Aircraft leader Flight Lieutenant Jonny Meadows said:

"We're really looking forward to displaying in Bournemouth. The location over the seafront is fantastic and the Festival has a reputation for being well organised and attracting a large, really enthusiastic crowd."

The Tornado GR-4 Role Demo of No. XV Squadron (R) RAF Lossiemouth, features two Panavia Tornados performing a short sequence which aims to give the crowd an insight into Tornado Employment on Operations Overseas.

Added Flight Lieutenant Meadows:

"As this is the first time we've brought our display to Bournemouth we're looking to make a good impression and show off some of the manoeuvres that make the Tornado such a special aircraft. We want to get people excited and give them a thrill that will have them coming back for more. Our show is fundamentally different from most displays and we hope it will be well received".

The Tornado GR4 has been the backbone of RAF operations for the last 25 years, operating in every military engagement since the first Gulf War in 1991 right up to this year's conflict in Libya. Capable of carrying out a variety of tasks including long-range bombing runs, tactical strike missions and being a world leader in its reconnaissance capabilities, the Tornado GR4 has a reputation as one of the finest multi-role fighter aircraft ever produced.

Jon Weaver, Air Festival Director said:

"It's always great to be able to bring something new to the Air Festival line-up and having not just one, but two Tornados is fantastic. It's a first for us to see two fast jets performing a display and seeing them rocketing over the seafront I'm sure will emerge as one of the standout moments of the Festival."